Whitehall, Delaware’s first example of the New Urbanism, promises to deliver a new lifestyle experience. If similar projects elsewhere are any measure, its first buyers are pioneering something special.

Roi Barnard bought the R.L. Lacy House—which was built by a stately ship captain in 1820—almost 30 years ago. Since, he's preserved many of the home's existing bones but also added several elegant and eclectic touches.